The Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia has recently launched an innovative metaverse platform that aims to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage. This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled on Saudi Arabia’s founding day and is set to bridge the gap between the past and the future through the use of technology.
The Cultural Universe metaverse, which went live on February 22nd, is a digital realm built on Oracle’s Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 blockchain technology. It was developed by droppGroup’s Generative Media Intelligence AI system, droppPhygital. This virtual world takes the form of a first-person shooter game, allowing users to navigate through a carefully designed path that unravels the extensive history of Saudi Arabia, dating all the way back to 1727. As users progress along this path, they encounter virtual representations of historical events, which, when approached, trigger detailed voice narrations in Arabic (although an English version is not yet available).
But this immersive experience goes beyond just exploring history. It also covers various aspects of Saudi heritage, including music, art, history, food, and crafts. Additionally, the platform incorporates mini-video games, further enhancing the user experience. The Cultural Universe metaverse can be accessed through various mediums, including websites, mobile devices, virtual reality headsets, and other digital devices, ensuring compatibility across different platforms. This inclusive approach aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to enabling a diverse global audience to engage with Saudi culture.
The launch of the Cultural Universe metaverse is seen by the Saudi Ministry of Culture as a “transformative moment” in cultural preservation and promotion. It signifies a shift towards utilizing advanced technologies like blockchain and AI to revolutionize how people from around the world can access and understand cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia is leading the way in the Middle East in harnessing the potential of the metaverse for economic and cultural development. Samuel Huber, CEO of LandVault, a metaverse firm collaborating with government agencies in the region, has highlighted the significant interest from Middle Eastern governments, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, in digitalizing their infrastructure. These efforts aim to create dynamic economies and enhance the citizen experience, with the metaverse being recognized as a key component of this strategic vision.